Will ConCourt judgment on ANC vs IEC open a can of worms before the elections?

The Constitutional Court's recent ruling has sparked a range of reactions from South Africa's political parties. The ANC, which had claimed technical glitches in the IEC's online system as a reason for excluding 181 councillor candidates from its final list, was allowed to include these candidates. This decision has raised concerns among other parties, particularly the DA, about the precedent it sets for adhering to the IEC's deadlines and requirements.

The DA's Federal Council chairperson, Ashor Sarupen, expressed concerns about the ruling's implications, stating that it could undo the party's failure to submit candidate lists in six municipalities. However, he also noted that the ANC's support is at record lows and that it is in terminal decline. The United Democratic Movement (UDM) welcomed the ruling, with its leader, Bantu Holomisa, urging the IEC to implement it fairly and consistently.

Holomisa also expressed concerns about the IEC's online system, stating that it lacks clear and immediate confirmation when all names have been submitted. The leader of Afrika Mayibuye, Floyd Shivambu, welcomed the ruling but cautioned against sacrificing principles for political convenience. ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula hailed the court's decision as a vindication of his movement, emphasizing that the right to vote is a fundamental right.

However, he collapsed before he could provide more details. Political analyst Sanet Solomon sees the ruling as a lifeline for the ANC, potentially intensifying competition for municipalities. With the election less than a month away, Solomon questions whether this time frame will be sufficient for affected political parties to reach their communities.